Manipur: FNCC declares indefinite ban on Kuki movement in Naga foothills
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Guwahati: The Foothills Naga Coordination Committee (FNCC) has declared an indefinite bandh on the movement of Kukis within the foothill regions of Naga-inhabited areas, effective from midnight of July 18.The FNCC stated that the bandh is a peaceful but firm protest against what it describes as threats to the ancestral land, identity, and security of the Naga people.B. Robin Kabui, Secretary of the FNCC, the first concern is the proposed construction of the German and Tiger roads through Naga ancestral territories without prior knowledge or consent of the Naga people. The committee termed it a blatant disregard for traditional ownership rights.A road constructed in the hill region called the 'German road' has raised concern in the wake of violence Manipur. The road built privately during the ethnic conflict connects Churachandpur to Kangpokpi. It is named after German H Kuki, leader of the Kuki National Front-Military Council (KNF-MC), a militant group based in Manipur. It is said that the road was constructed on the initiative of militant leader German.The road was opened for people in 2024. There are several Kaccha roads linking Churachandpur to neighbouring Mizoram. There are roads between Churachandpur and Myanmar. Myanmar shares a border with Churachandpur.Earlier the Manipur Naga Youth Organisation (MNYO) had expressed strong opposition to the proposed construction of the Tiger/German Road from Motbung in Kangpokpi district to Churachandpur, citing concerns over the road's naming.The organisation urged the Government of India and relevant authorities to reconsider the project and its implications. According to the organisation, the term 'Tiger/German Road' is associated with Kuki armed groups, which the organisation finds objectionable.FNCC stated the second issue raised is the alleged continued presence of illegal Suspension of Operation (SoO) camps of Kuki militant groups in Naga areas, which the FNCC claims poses a serious threat to peace and security. 'Thirdly, the FNCC highlighted the unchecked cultivation of poppy plantations, which it claims not only harms the environment but also fuels drug addiction and criminal activity, thereby endangering the social fabric'.The organisation added, 'These encroachments and activities, if allowed to persist, will irreversibly harm the heritage, security, and future of the Naga people. It further called on Naga bodies and tribal councils to unite in defending their ancestral domain".Meiteis, belonging to the erstwhile ruling class, account for 53% of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal valley. Naga and Kuki tribes constitute 40% of the population and live in the hill districts.More than 260 people have been killed and around 70,000 people of different communities rendered homeless in the ethnic violence between the Meiteis and Kuki-Zo-Hmar communities since May 3.Manipur has been under President's Rule since February 13, four days after the resignation of N. Biren Singh from the Chief Minister's post.
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